I decided I needed to get a little exercise and headed off for a short walk around Lake Harriet (the malts are why I needed the exercise)

So I was walking around the lake and I saw 3 guys ice fishing – something I had heard about but never done. Basically you use a massive screw to make a hole in the ice (18 inches deep) and then see what you can catch. So I got to talkin’ with them and turns out they were all comedians (and I love comedy). Kermet (the guy catching the fish) is from Hawaii and so his friend David thought it would be cool to take a Hawaiian ice-fishing.

So later on that evening Tim and I headed over to check out the comedy show – and it was actually really really good fun. I’d been to the Murphys Laughter Lounge in Dublin a while ago (instead of the Comedy Cellar above The International Bar) Anyway, this American talked his way onto the stage to be given 10 mins as a visiting comic. It was awful, his entire routine sucked (sorry, but it did). But these guys in Minneapolis were great – really enjoyed the evening.

Pretty uneventful trip to Minneapolis. Liz Loveday (the cousins we were staying with in London) very kindly ordered me a taxi to Paddington, which was great as I am taking full advantage of the 2 bag allowance on my way back to NZ.

Immigration and airport checks were all very straight forward. The fingerprinting made me feel like a criminal, but all in all it was fine.

Liz (sister this time) picked me up at the airport with Fiona and Ciara (her two daughters) in tow. It’s a pretty nice city actually. Flat, but with lots of trails and lakes to run around. Well, actually, as it gets down to -20 here sometimes, the lakes are all frozen..

One day we also walked down to this waterfall (Minniehaha) which is mostly frozen – though the falls are still falling. It was amazing, I hopped over the barrier and slipped on down to the base. There I met a guy who said it was possible to get behind the waterfall.. so that’s what these pics are all about.

After spending a few short but lovely days with my grandparents it was off up to Sussex for my Aunt Rosemarys 25th Wedding anniversary – and a great excuse for a family get together. No pics yet but I will get them up eventually!

Then down to London (thanks for the lift Uncle Anthony!) and Mhairi and I stayed a night at her friend Kirsty again. Even got to look at the moon through Kirstys Christmas present of a telescope.

And far too soon it was time for me to head off to the States – Minneapolis – to see my sister for 10 days before going back to New Zealand. It was weird saying goodbye after traveling so long and so far together (groovy interactive Google Earth Map coming soon!! :) I’ll be making the most of my time in New Zealand to be sure to be sure, but I am also looking forward to our next adventure! (Mhairi is going to be getting her tennis qualification in Scotland for the next 9 months or so?). Anyway, thanks MB for an awesome 4 ish 5 ish months of travel – I’d never have survived without ‘cha (nor had so many misplaced objects found!)

Finally it was time to leave London and to head down to Sussex to see my grandparents (well, the ones which are left!)

Had fun playing Tangoes (from www.rexgames.com). You have a shape to make with a number of pieces, looks easier than it is.

It was lovely to see my Granny (dads side) and Grandpapa (mums side) again. It was honestly a little shocking to see my step-granny as she has become quite old in the last two years. Mind you, seeing as they’re both 92 it’s not bad going really. I think they enjoyed seeing some of the pictures from New Zealand, though grandpapa thought I was a little mad.

So, after a month or so in Ireland, it was time to start heading home (home?) to New Zealand. Flew to Heathrow and there I’m lucky enough to have a lovely cousin of mums (my 1st cousin once removed) Liz, who we stayed with while in London.

That evening Mhairi and I met up with her parents, brother and his girlfriend – and we went out for a very nice meal.

The next day it was off to tour the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum before getting ready for the main object of the weekend which was to see Cirque du Soleil in the Royal Albert Hall

It really was incredible. The feats of strength, flexibility (disgusting at times), and gymnastics were unbelievable. So thanks to Heather and Ian for the show!

Next day met up with some of Mhairi’s cousins who live in Dublin, and then out to dinner (totally forgot to take a picture :( of my cousin Niki and her boyfriend Steve. Really good times – been far too long since I’ve seen her.

The day after it was more touring around the city – taking in some of the Earth From Above exhibition over by London bridge

Had a quick wander by Shakespeares old Globe Theatre, St. Pauls, and I had a wander through a wildlife photography exhibition in the natural History Museum that was amazingly amazing. Makes me want to buy a digital SLR instead of the compact camera that I am going to buy!.

That evening met up with my cousin Catherine and her friend Maeve, both of whom are doing useful African related developmenty aidy work(y). Cath’s project is currently funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

And the following evening we met up with one of Mhairis’ good friends from home, Kirsty and her partner Richard.